The safer internet day was celebrated on February 8. The day calls for all stakeholders to join together to make the internet a safer and better place for all, mainly for children and young people.
While the internet is widely used in contemporary times, people run the risk of making a mistake that can affect their life. In such a scenario, it is time to learn ‘netiquette’ on the Safer Internet amid concern over the rising cases of cybercrime when people, especially teenagers and elderly people, are falling prey to cyber criminals.
While there are enough warnings and precautions, advising one to not share phone number, personal address, sensitive credit or debit card information and obviously OTPs with anyone online, instances of people not acting upon them galore. According to a survey, 52% of Indians have publicly shared their personal phone number and addresses online. According to the survey, most of the internet-using population tend to neglect basic cyber hygiene practices.
The government is primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of crimes through law enforcement machinery including cyber crime through their Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The LEAs is empowered to take legal action as per provisions of law against the offenders. The government must ensure prompt action as per provisions of law against the criminals misusing various means which are otherwise meant to ease the life of common man.
There is also a worrying trend regarding excessive use of mobile phones and the internet by children. As per researchers, the use of interactive screen time on such devices could also impair a child’s development of the skills needed for math and science.
Radiation is another health concern as cellphones work by using radio waves. So whether you’re holding your device to your ear or sleeping with it near your head, your body may be absorbing this energy, according to the National Cancer Institute. At the same, the research still hasn’t definitively linked this exposure to health problems in children and teenagers.
The repeated mobile and other digital device use increases children’s social isolation, robs them of time for social activities with others, and interferes with social development. In addition, the frequent mobile use may increase children’s social isolation, resulting in depression and loneliness. Further, more time spent using media can displace time used for quality parent-child interaction, such as sharing enriching experiences and activities. The parents have a pivotal role to play and they must ensure that children do not spend too much time using the smart phones.
